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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, creamy, and comforting pasta dish loaded with layers of tender ziti, savory meat sauce, and an ultra-creamy cheese filling. Perfect for easy dinners for a crowd, birthday celebrations, or cozy family meals, this loaded baked ziti is one of the best pasta dishes baked that you can prepare ahead as a bake-later meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta or penne ziti
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional garnish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
  2. Cook ziti pasta in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  6. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella until smooth.
  8. Spread half of the cooked pasta in the baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then spread the cheese mixture evenly.
  9. Add remaining pasta and sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  12. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Penne pasta works perfectly if ziti is unavailable.
Let the baked ziti rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
This recipe can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze unbaked or baked ziti for up to 2 months for convenient bake later meals.
Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete baked ziti with salad dinner.